-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Portuguese football legend Eusebio is in a stable condition after being admitted to hospital with bronchial pneumonia on Wednesday , his former club Benfica reported .

The 69-year-old , known affectionately as the `` Black Panther '' and one of the most talented players of his generation , is being kept at the Hospital da Luz in Lisbon as the illness has affected both lungs .

`` He spent the night as well , and he is stable . From the clinical point of view -LRB- his condition -RRB- is stationary , '' the hospital 's medical director Jose Roquette told reporters in quotes carried by Benfica 's website .

`` There was no significant improvement in inflammatory parameters , analytical or radiological findings . So we continue with appropriate therapy and we hope this is resolved quickly . ''

Roquette said Eusebio , who was the top scorer at the 1966 World Cup when Portugal finished third , would likely remain in hospital over the festive period after coming out of intensive care .

`` This is not a situation that one can guarantee how long will it take to evolution , but admit it will take some time . We will give more information in due course . Most likely it will extend beyond Christmas , `` he said .

Roquette said Eusebio 's wife and daughters had come to the hospital , but other visitors had been restricted .

In 2007 , he had surgery to unblock arteries which carry blood to the brain .

Eusebio played for three North American Soccer League teams in the twilight of his career , but is best known for his exploits in 15 years at Benfica where he scored 638 goals in 614 appearances up until 1975 .

`` We wish a speedy recovery to Eusebio and also to express that the whole Portuguese football family is behind him , '' the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement .

`` Eusebio is a symbol of Portuguese football . It will take a lot of strength to overcome this difficulty , but he has honored Portugal for many years with his distinguished presence , including as ambassador of the national team . ''

Born in Mozambique , which was then a Portuguese territory , he scored 41 goals in 64 appearances for his adopted country .

At the 1966 World Cup he scored two goals as Portugal eliminated defending champions Brazil at the group stage , then netted four times in an incredible quarterfinal comeback against North Korea as his side rallied from 3-0 down to win 5-3 in one of the tournament 's most famous matches .

Eusebio scored again in the semifinal against England , but the hosts won 2-1 before beating Germany in the final .

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Eusebio in intensive care after being admitted to Lisbon hospital with pneumonia

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Hospital 's medical director says football legend will remain there over festive period

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The 69-year-old former Benfica star was one of the most talented players of his generation

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His adopted nation 's soccer federation hails him as a symbol of Portuguese football